I noticed when looking at all of these wonderful picks together that green and brown seem to be hugely popular this past month with a few showcasing soft pinks and yellows. The never-ending creativity is truly amazing. If you’re making pieces inspired by fresh picks, be sure to upload them in the design gallery!

Top 15 Designs from the Gallery

These 15 designs were the “most favorited” in the design gallery for September and I can see why…

In your designs I see a very eclectic mix of styles. One commonality is the use of gemstone beads. I also see a lot more wire wrappers than I used to. Are beaders getting bored with basic stringing? Has stringing become too heavy (I love heavy pieces but maybe it isn’t for everyone or isn’t the trend) for the end wearer? Is stringing still popular, but maybe beaders have evolved and like to challenge themselves (time permitting) with projects involving more chain and wire wrapping?

Just for fun I’ve put together a few categories to see what type of beader all of you are. Check it out, the results might be very surprising

I’m with the ladies above – I can’t choose only 3 styles, because what I wear can be so different from what I sell. I also like to branch out and experiment – and I know most of us feel we need to get out of our comfort zones and try something new.

Hey Ali, thank you for this great post and the feedback….fun information.
Add my congratulations to the chorus of accolades to the tops in design and picks, well deserved. A great big WELCOME for you newbies.

In the voting for styles…to me, this is a question of personal style and in the world of jewelry design, this translates into a signature style. Some designers have a definite and identifiable style. On LB, most recently, Spiral Chick is a great example.
A great exercise in finding your own, signature style, is exactly what this voting exercise is, that is…… identifying what is your own style. For me, it is classical with an eclectic, albiet metallic edge. I love color, but I am intrinsically neutral. Knowing who you are is one of the first steps in finding your expressive voice.

Connie Fox, a known designer, wrote two articles, Spring & Summer of 2008 Step-by-Step Wire Mag, “beyond technique” defining your own jewelry style & “designing Success”. She takes the reader through a process of defining your own signature style. I would recommend it.

And, finally, a quote:”"” To know what you prefer, instead of humbly saying “Amen” to what the world tells you you ought to prefer, is to keep your soul alive. ~Robert Louis Stevenson”"”"”

good to hear from you Ali, been a while. And its true, you can end up haveing two different picks. One for your self and one for commercial use. Your own taste may not be as comercial as you want, but you like it. Like bold colors. Not really in fashion right now, but I still like hot fushia pink. Also Ali, when are we going to see new pictures of the little one. She should be well past walking by now.
And I can just see the LB staff after they read the newest part of the AQK and Simon saga. Rolling on the floor in laughter. Never thought there would be a serial story going through the fresh picks. You allow us so much freedom. Its amazing. Thank you.

I just come across this blog post and I was pleasantly surprised! Thank you fellow limabeaders Glad you like my pick Asian Wisdom and the Smoky quartz gets in your eyes design, it means a lot to me and I feel very honored!
Is this something that is done every month?

I love this post! It was so cool to be able to see at a glance the new fresh pickers and the recents “favorited” (good word) picks and designs. I was so pleased to see myself included in these lists – this really made me feel good and lifted my spirits. I think alot of us beaders do not get enough feedback from other beady people about our designs, so I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed posting my designs and getting feedbacks, tips, and info from other folks as crazy about beads as me!!!!

I would love to see a post like this done every month so that we can see the trends, color choices, etc!

This is a wonderful post, congratulations to everyone listed for favorites. I’ve tried several times to do fresh picks but don’t have the patience for it and being new to beading I need to see and feel my combinations, but I’m going to continue to try to use this feature ~ which is very helpful! I love looking at other beaders work and the whole process of selection, making and naming the piece. SeaShellSally; I really loved reading your post here and your ending quote! Great!

What a pleasant surprize and an honor to be in the list for designs! I always love to see each others designs and love to hear comments that help me progress…altho I usually just let the rocks talk to me and end up with a design…love the quote by Stevenson..it is so true..each one of us is unique and have something to give others..even tho it is just a few words of encouragement….it pushes us along..

This was a great post Ali. You have been showing casing the picks for awhile. It’s great to see the most favorited designs. I hope this is something you will continue to do at least once a month. I don’t think basic stringing is out. We beaders just like to experiment – and keep up with what is popular.

I too think you should keep the spreadsheet going, it’s really nice to see the trends (there are beaders from all over here) and be able to congratulate those who give and advance within themselves as we see it. Geeze, I hope that made sense!
Basically, give a pat on the back once in a while. If you didn’t get one this time, maybe next time. It’s something to look forward to/or not/whatever. You know, different strokes for different folks. OK, I’ll go away now.
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I didn’t have trouble choosing my three. My first of three was definitely color. I love experimenting with color and texture in designs, but also in my wardrobe as well. I now wear only solid colors so as to showcase my new creations. The second was the vintage look that I discovered through your vintaj collection and fell in love with. Probably because it goes so well with my haircolor and complexion. Thirdly was the gemstones themselves which are so different and intriguing not only in their appearance but their spiritual properties. And creating with beads is such a HEALTHY hobby!!!

I need to get around to all of the different areas on the LB website. The results of the poll were interesting. I didn’t have too much trouble choosing three styles but my current favorite wasn’t included. It’s working with heavier gauge wire that’s twisted, hammered or coiled.